Cars for low-income Minnesotans

Key points

Low-income people with cars are more likely to be employed. Research indicates that low-income people with cars are better able to find and keep jobs.

Cars offer a range of advantages for connecting low-income people to important destinations. Cars can reach places not served by transit and provide transportation for workers with irregular hours or off-peak shifts.

The time required for a commute to work matters more than distance traveled. In many cases, travel by car requires less time than travel by transit, given our car-oriented landscape.

Non-profit car ownership programs help some low-income households secure vehicles, but such programs are small in scale. These programs are only able to serve a small fraction of those seeking help.

Despite the benefits of car ownership, the costs involved create financial hardship for low-income households. Driving a car is the most expensive way to travel to work.

Smart approaches & policies

Continue to exempt vehicles from asset limits for state programs that assist low-income families, and consider options for expanding those exemptions.

Improve consumer protections for used car buyers.

Tap into and support the non-profit organizations that help low-income Minnesotans with car ownership.

Consider using government funding to capitalize low- or no-interest car loan programs for low-income Minnesotans.

Capitalize on car sharing programs in the Twin Cities to spur access to vehicles by low-income households.

Pursue policies longer term that increase travel options for low-income households and reduce their dependence on costly cars.